You would think that by now, NFL players would know that if they are going to try to do some shady gambling stuff during the NFL season, they’re going to get caught. But, that’s apparently not the case. The NFL is disciplining several Detroit Lions players and one Washington Commander for gambling violations.
This is a huge deal. When the news broke today, it was everywhere. Every outlet, from Sports Illustrated to the New York Post to even the New York Times, had this story. That’s how much of a splash these gambling violations are making.
According to a statement sent out by the Detroit Lions organization, the team has released WR Quintez Cephus and S C.J. Moore after the NFL suspended them indefinitely “violating the league’s gambling policy, including betting on NFL games.” In addition, the Detroit Lions suspended WR Stanley Berryhill and WR Jameson Williams for six games for additional gambling policy violations.
While most of the offenders were Detroit Lions, they had a little bit of company. The league suspended Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney for violating the league’s gambling policy.
According to the New York Times, this is the biggest group of penalties for gambling violations in a whopping 60 years.
The NFL didn’t disclose specifics on the bets placed by these players or how the violations were found. But, they say their investigation did not turn up proof that “any inside information was used or that any game was compromised in any way.” However, there’s no getting out of it. An NFL spokesman says the penalties are effective immediately and are not subject to appeal.
Here’s What the Lions and Commanders Are Saying
Both the Lions and Commanders issued additional remarks about the gambling discoveries.
“These players exhibited decision making that is not consistent with our organizational values and violates league rules,” Lions General Manager Brad Holmes said in a statement. The Commanders added that they “support the league’s findings and actions.”
In better news, check out Lions head coach Dan Campbell’s player “crushes” here.